The U.S. does not have any authority over the Panama Canal. The waterway ... control until treaties signed in 1977 by President Jimmy Carter set terms for its eventual transfer to Panama.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio embarks soon on his inaugural trip as the United States’ top diplomat. His first stop, Panama could prove to be the most contentious on the itinerary.

Panama has owned and administered the Panama Canal for nearly three decades. President Trump wants to change that to counter growing Chinese influence in Latin America.

One issue gaining interest concerns the Panama Canal, which has operated since its opening in 1914. France was an original sponsor in constructing a canal. A canal could pay immense dividends for trade and commerce in the region by drastically cutting distance and travel time from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean.

President Trump’s threat to retake the canal came out of the blue, inflaming Panamanians. But Trump’s view is nothing new.

They say they fought too hard to wrest it from the U.S. to now hand back the waterway, which is part of the nation’s identity.

UNT Dallas political science professor outlines the implications of Trump’s threat to the Panama Canal. Trump’s suggestion that China controls the

A military operation against a tiny neighbor would destroy US credibility in Latin America and provide a boost for China and Russia. Plus, the Panamanians would likely put up a good fight.

Here’s where Kansas and Missouri come into play: On Thursday, The Washington Post reported that Missouri Sen. Eric Schmitt will introduce a resolution backing Trump’s plan. And Kansas Sen. Roger Marshall is a co-sponsor. “This is an opportunity, I think, for Panama to do the right thing,” Schmitt told The Post.

The neutrality of the nearly 50-mile canal, through which nearly 15,000 ships transit each year, is enshrined in Panama’s Constitution and is enforced by the autonomous Panama Canal Authority.

Republicans hoping to thwart Beijing’s influence in Latin America are urging the Panamanian government to cut ties with Chinese entities.